I’ve been having issues with my neck for a couple months. I’ve been in six automobile accidents in my lifetime – yes, six. None of which were my fault. I’ve been hit from behind four times, broadsided once, and I broadsided a vehicle making an illegal turn in front of me. (I’m actually glad about that one as she was heading the wrong way onto the “off ramp” of the freeway. I can only imagine what would have happened if she succeeded.)
I thought that after all the years and accidents my neck was showing signs of the damage. So, I practiced the exercises given me by a physical therapist years ago, applied heat, took Advil, and endured until after this last trip, I could not endure anymore. I called my doctor and she was on vacation for two weeks, so was referred to one of their Urgent Cares close to me. It turned out to be their Urgent Care for sports injuries. I ended up with someone who was able to diagnose what was wrong with me in a matter of minutes.
I learned in philosophy class in college that if you want to get a correct answer, you must ask a correct question. It turned out I was asking the wrong question … my self-diagnosis was way off, so the way I was treating it was never going to fix it. I have a strained trapezius muscle on the right side. It needed rest, not exercise; ice not hot treatments; Aleve not Advil … and a muscle relaxer. One day with that treatment saw relief. Yep, asking the correct question gets the correct answer.
That works in the spiritual also. When we hear people speak – using Christianity to defend their arguments or make a political point, we need to ask the correct question. It is not their boasting of their relationship with Christ that makes them credible – it is Christ’s commendation of them. Paul was quite clear about this. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” [1 Cor 10:17-18]
Remember, Jesus said we would know them by their fruit. Do their words match the words of Christ? And more importantly, do their actions reflect the image of Christ? It must or they are not speaking for Him.
